Lots to do at RCAF memorial unveiling on June 7

The Town of Sackville will be holding an unveiling ceremony for a new Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Memorial, which will be dedicated on Saturday, June 7. The memorial will commemorate and honour all of the men and women from the Tantramar Region involved in the RCAF past, present and future. It will consist of a weatherproofed display case containing a donated propeller from an Avro Anson, and an interpretive panel. Town of Sackville deputy mayor Joyce O’Neill has been a driving force behind the memorial project, and is a leading member of a steering committee, which includes Sackville mayor Bob Berry, members of the Turnbull (NB) Chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society (including Sackville resident Norm Shepard), and town staff. The project was also strongly endorsed by Sackville Town Council, who voted to support and fund this significant community project. Local schools are also working on projects for display at the unveiling events, and students will be helping out with the day’s activities.

The day will begin at 11 a.m. at Sackville Memorial Park, corner of Bridge St. and Weldon Street, and include a ceremonial procession with the Moncton 101 Air Cadet Marching Band, speeches by dignitaries, music with Janet Crawford and Jerry Hannah, and the unveiling. A reception, featuring refreshments and the Sackville Citizen’s Band, will be held at the Tantramar Veterans’ Memorial Civic Centre following the unveiling.

At 2 p.m., the Tantramar Heritage Trust will unveil a new RCAF-themed display at the Boultenhouse Heritage Centre, 29 Queen’s Rd.